This overhead view of Discovery's crew cabin, as well as part of its payload bay and docking system, was taken during the Expedition 18 crew's examination of the shuttle prior to docking with the International Space Station. Before docking, STS-119 commander Lee Archambault flew the shuttle through a Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver.
This overhead view of Discovery’s crew cabin, as well as part of its payload bay and docking system, was taken during the Expedition 18 crew’s examination of the shuttle prior to docking with the International Space Station. Before docking, STS-119 commander Lee Archambault flew the shuttle through a Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver or backflip to allow the station crew to photograph Discovery’s heat shield.
Using digital still cameras equipped with 400 and 800 millimeter lenses, the ISS crew photographed the shuttle’s thermal protection system for analysis by teams on the ground. A 800 millimeter lens was used for this image.Image Credit: NASA